Anyone looking for great children’s literature would have found it at Vogelweh Elementary School’s first K-5 Young Authors Celebration May 21, when more than 400 student authors put their books on display for family and friends to view and read.

Early in the school year, second grade teacher Rose Porter voluntarily took on the job of organizing the Young Author program. She provided guidance as the teachers helped their students create their 24-page hardcover books.

Each book was written and illustrated either by hand or computer, and all books included an about the author page, a dedication page and many included a publication page. The students were free to choose what they wanted to write about as well as the format of their text and illustrations.

Among the many topics and genres presented were fairy tales, space tales, poetry, non-fiction and stories about family and friends.

The school hallways were packed as the students excitedly took their parents to see their books, many of which were dedicated to Mom and Dad.

Comments such as, “I can’t believe how creative these books are,” and, “The kids really put a lot of time and work into these,” were heard over and over.

To honor their efforts, all participants received a ribbon and a gold-sealed certificate. A special thanks was also given to Vogelweh’s always-supportive Parent Teacher Student Association for purchasing the blank books.

Guests attending the Young Author’s Celebration were also treated to an outstanding musical performance by Vogelweh’s second grade and multiage classes. Nearly 170 students took to the stage to perform the musical “Friends,” by Carmino Ravosa.

The students worked for weeks to perfect their singing skills, drama skills and their stage presence under the direction of Vogelweh’s music teacher, Joy Morgen. The performance came together perfectly as small groups of students, backed by the choir, performed skits and sang solos about how to solve friendship problems. The skits tackled common, yet difficult, issues such as welcoming new students, accepting others the way they are and settling disagreements amicably.

The final solo of the evening, “You Can’t Buy Friendship,” summed up the performance by stating, “You’ve got to give before you receive. You’ve got to trust, you’ve got to believe.” This message really sank in and will stay with the